E.”Oppie” Opperman, Sr. 86, of 05633 State Route 219, New Knoxville, died Saturday, February 20, 2010, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, Saint Marys, following an extended illness.

He was born March 3, 1923, in Shelby County, Ohio, the son of Esta and Florence (Kennedy) Opperman.

He married Betty Fogt on October 24, 1942, and she survives at the residence.

He is also survived by his two children: Gene (Ruth) Opperman, Jr. of New Knoxville; Florence (Don) Schroer of New Knoxville; by four grandchildren: Mark Opperman; Michelle Niemeyer; David Schroer and Julie Henschen; by nine great-grandchildren: Kyle Opperman; Kimberly Opperman; Anthony Opperman; Andrew Opperman; Alycia Niemeyer; Taylor Niemeyer; Nathan Schroer; Jason Schroer and Katelynn Henschen.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Eugene was a 1941 graduate of Botkins High School. He retired from the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Saint Marys, where he worked as a laboratory technician. He was a member of the New Knoxville United Methodist Church. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.

Funeral rites will be held 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, February 24, 2010, at the Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road, Saint Marys, the Reverend Dennis Gaertner, officiant. Burial will follow at the Evangelical Protestant Cemetery in New Knoxville.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home, where memorial donations may be directed to the New Knoxville United Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent to the family via Millerfuneralhomes.net